I Tried Countless New Things This Season, but These 7 Majorly Leveled-Up My Life
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Including a pair of flats that people can’t stop asking me about.
Koio/ Sisley/ Spanx/ InStyle
It’s funny: I feel like I wake up almost every morning with a text from my friends asking, “Eva, I feel like shopping…what should I buy?” I’ve, naturally, become the resident, in-the-know product expert, as it’s my actual job, and I take my job very seriously. I’m lucky to be able to try a slew of new products (much to the dismay of my fiancé and our small, one-bedroom NYC apartment), but hey, it’s a blessing, and while there are certainly some things I try that I don’t like, there are a many that actually change my life. As in, after I try them, I realize that I have been missing out on them all my life. They manage to, as Ciara once put it, level-up my life.
With spring here and summer (and my Italian wedding!) right around the corner, I’ve been much more particular about the beauty, fashion, home, and health staples I bring into my apartment. Some I try with the hopes of being able to incorporate them into my bridal look, others I test because I’ve heard so much about them, I’d be silly not to give them a spin myself. And while my spring was full of flops (maybe I’ll tell you about that later), I did fall in love with eyeshadow sticks that are so good and so easy to use, I legitimately proceeded to get them in every color, a silk slip skirt that’s perfect, for lack of a better word, and new Spanx pants that I’ve been wearing 24/7—seriously, just ask my fiancé.
Shop my highly curated list of products that majorly improved my life this season.
7 Products that Leveled Up My Life
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick, $34; nordstrom.com
Gooseberry Intimates Silk Skirt, $145; gooseberryintimates.com
Sisley Lip Twist Lipstick, $60; nordstrom.com, sisley-paris.com
Raw Generation Juices, $135 (Originally $170); rawgeneration.com
Koio Aurora Flats, $245; koio.co
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick
Nordstrom
When I tell you I suck at an eyeshadow look, I mean it. I’ve had the pleasure of learning from some pros, but something about me just won’t remember the tips and tricks for longer than a few days. So, I need something easy and foolproof, so when I finally tried Bobbi Brown’s famous, viral, decades-old Eyeshadow Sticks, I knew I had finally found it. The formula is creamy but highly pigmented, the application is as smooth as butter, and the color payoff is incredible. I simply swipe the stick—which I now own in eight colors—over my lids, blend with a shadow brush, and I have a pro-looking eye in seconds, literally. Not to mention, I always received compliments when I use it, especially on the limited-edition periwinkle hue.
Gooseberry Intimates Silk Skirt
Gooseberry
I’ve been on the hunt for the most flattering, luxe silk skirt for years. I tried a slew of brands that are on the pricier end, and I’ve tried out some that were far more affordable, but neither ended my search—until I decided to look somewhere unexpected. Gooseberry Intimates is best known for its sexy lingerie and ultra-sexy swimwear worn by the likes of Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, and Sydney Sweeney, but in its highly-curated selection of clothing hid the best silk slip skirt of all time—pinky promise. The second I put it on, I knew it was The One. The material was lightweight and so luxe, not to mention it had the perfect flow to it and wore so well. The maxi length looked great with sneakers, flats, or heels, and the slightly low-rise fit looked so cool with cropped denim vests or crisp white tees. I’ve worn it nearly 10 times since I got it less than a week ago, so yeah, it’s pretty darn great.
Spanx Carefree Crepe Trouser
Spanx
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: Spanx is the most under-the-radar place to get clothes. Sure, the brand makes out-of-this-world shapewear, and it’s best known for that, but the pants, tops, dresses, and more consistently blow me away every single time I try something new. And honestly, the same can’t be said about other brands. I’m obsessed with Spanx’s Perfect Collection, especially the pants that feel like sweats but look so luxe, but I must say, its newest Crepe Wide-Leg style might just take over the top spot. The flowy bottoms are ideal for summer, thanks to the breezy crepe fabric.
Sisley Lip Twist Lipstick
Nordstrom
I’m a sucker for a good lip; even if I don’t feel like putting on any makeup, a poppy pout can change your entire look in seconds. That said, I don’t like dealing with lipsticks that are hard to use, a mess to apply, or smear during the day—yes, I know I’m picky, and yes, it sounds like an impossible feat, but when you swipe on Sisley’s famous Tinted Lip Balm, I get all that, and more. No wonder celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker and Hailey Bieber are fans of the easy-to-use, hydrating tint that gives your pout an instant pop. Plus, I like that you can play around with the color intensity. Bonus: It makes your lips look plumper, too.
Anisa Pinnacle Foundation Brush
Anisa Beauty
People are going to cringe when I say this, but I used to apply my foundation with my hands. It’s okay, as long as your hands are clean (a essential!), but I felt like there was something missing in my application routine–that something being Anisa’s game-changing Pinnacle Foundation Brush that applies my skin tints like butter, giving me a perfectly even, airbrushed look that’s even stopped my friends in their tracks to say, “Your skin looks so good.” The only change? I applied my go-to foundation with this Anisa brush.
Raw Generation Juices
Raw Generation
I’ve been on a health kick—and not only because I want to look and feel my best for my wedding, but also because, well, health is wealth. I’ve been dealing with some stomach issues and wanted to do a full, fresh cleanse, and, like it was fate, Raw Generation juices appeared at my doorstep (okay, I knew they were being sent, but for the sake of drama, let’s leave it at that). I tried a number of juices, smoothies, and protein shakes, and every single one tasted so fresh, so healthy, and yummy. They come frozen; after arrival, you put them in your freezer, and whenever you want to drink one, simply place it in your fridge to thaw overnight. Then, the next morning, you have the most delicious juice that didn’t cost you $15 (and yes, I've spent that much at my local store only to feel rather meh about the juice).
Koio Aurora Flats
Koio
I was walking around New York City (in route to a Reformation sample sale) when I was stopped on the street by someone who said, “Excuse me, miss!!! Where are those shoes from?” Said footwear I was wearing? The buttery black leather Aurora flats from Koio, which I’m basically living in this season. I got them last year, but didn’t have a chance to try them until now—and when I say they were comfy fresh out of the box, I mean it. I wore them for date night, where we trekked around the city. Post wear, I had zero foot pain. Then I wore them again while walking blocks shopping. The same thing happened: No foot pain. A win! They’re obviously comfy, but they look so darn cute, too—so cute I was literally stopped on the street. The buttery leather forms to your foot, while the dainty, stretchy front strap gives them a Mary Jane-esque look while also keeping them securely on your feet.
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